In the summer of 2014, Google announced that when a website uses an HTTPS connection, it is displayed higher in Google than when using a standard HTTP connection.
But what exactly is HTTPS and what is the difference compared to standard HTTP? And why does HTTPS help a website rank higher in Google? To answer these questions, it is important to start at the beginning: HTTP.
HTTP vs. HTTPS
HTTP stands for “HyperText Transfer Protocol” and is the method by which data is transmitted between your web browser and a website’s web server. HTTP ensures that when you want to load a page, this command is sent to the web server. When the web server receives this command, the page is sent, picked up by HTTP, and displayed on your screen.
The difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that with HTTPS, the connection between your web browser and a website's web server is secured. HTTPS stands for “HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure” and can be seen as the secure extension of standard HTTP. With a standard HTTP connection, the data being sent back and forth can be easily intercepted. When using a secure HTTPS connection, this is no longer possible. This is because the HTTPS connection ensures that all data is transmitted encrypted, making it unreadable if intercepted.
HTTPS in practice
HTTPS is primarily used when privacy-sensitive data is transmitted between the web browser and the web server, such as entering your name, address, or payment details. Initially, only banks and large insurance companies used HTTPS to securely transmit all data. However, today, a secure HTTPS connection is an absolute must, particularly for webshops.
In the Netherlands, webshops are required to use a secure HTTPS connection when visitors place orders and/or leave data in the webshop. However, it is also beneficial for regular websites to use an HTTPS connection. This is because a secure HTTPS connection inspires more trust among visitors and gives the website a more professional appearance. In addition to these benefits, using a secure HTTPS connection has another major advantage: the website or webshop ranks higher in Google!
Safety first!
In 2014, Google implemented an update to its algorithm that results in websites using a secure HTTPS connection being displayed higher in Google search results. The rationale behind this update is that Google wants to encourage the use of HTTPS to make the internet safer for everyone. The transition from HTTP to HTTPS is a technical matter for which it is best to seek professional help. If the transition does not go smoothly, it can have significant consequences for your website's visibility in Google.
If you want to switch from HTTP to HTTPS, it is important to carefully map out a number of factors beforehand. Below are various tips that Google provides for the switch to HTTPS:
- Choose the right certificate: single-domain, multi-domain, or wildcard certificate.
- Use a 2048-bit certificate.
- Ensure that all HTTP URLs are redirected to HTTPS URLs.
- Ensure that all external links point to the new HTTPS URL
- Set up the HTTPS website in Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools.
Would you like more information about switching from HTTP to HTTPS and everything involved? Then contact one of the experts at Best4u via support@best4u.nl.